Newman leads Bandits over Kenai 3-0 in Bill Miller final

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Posted by Van Williams, ALB Media Director | Jun 30, 2022

If Napoleon Post 300 looked unbeatable at the Alaska 529 Midseason Classic, the River Bandits looked untouchable in Kenai.

The Ohio team outscored opponents 28-0 in four games of the Bill Miller Big Fish Wood Bat Tournament, capped by a 3-0 win over the Kenai Post 20 Twins at Oiler Park.

Napoleon improved to 4-1 in Bill Miller title games since 2008.

Bandits ace DJ Newman spun a 4-hit shutout with eight strikeouts on the bump and went 2-for-4 with a double and RBI in the box.

Earlier this week he was named Midseason Classic MVP. As an encore he was the MVP of the Bill Miller title game.

Newman is a NCAA Division I-bound player headed to Bowling Green State University.

The Bandits (25-3) have four D1 pitchers, and two of them didn't throw.

Nevertheless, Napoleon's staff was lights out in the tournament, recording four straight shutouts and building a 25-inning scoreless streak while improving to 9-0 on its Alaska road trip.

Here's a breakdown of the 25-inning scoreless streak:

  • 7 - DJ Newman
  • 7 - Jayden Jerger
  • 4 - Breven Deckrosh
  • 4 - Wade Liffick
  • 2 - Abram Deano
  • 1 - Dade Robinson

Newman and Nolan Shafer combined for four of Napoleon's five hits as Kenai pitchers Attitcus Gibson and John Brinner pitched well. Gibson started and allowed two runs in four innings, including two scoreless frames. Brinner came out of the bullpen and allowed just one run over two innings.

Malakai Olson, Jacob Belger, Gabe Smith and Hunter Williams had base hits for the Twins (10-8).

Next up for Napoleon will be the Todd Ryan Memorial Tournament at Wasilla, the third and final tournament of its Alaska tour.

Bill Miller Big Fish Wood Bat

Champions Since 2004

  • 2022 – Napoleon (OH)
  • 2021-2020 No Tournament
  • 2019 – Auburn (RI)
  • 2018 – Columbia (TN)
  • 2017 – Napoleon (OH)
  • 2016 – Columbia (TN)
  • 2015 – Castroville (TX)
  • 2014 – Rained out – Service (AK) vs. Columbia (TN)
  • 2013 – Texarkana (TX)
  • 2012 – Rained out – Kenai (AK) vs. Columbia (TN)
  • 2011 – Napoleon (OH)
  • 2010 - N/A
  • 2009 - West Warwick (RI)
  • 2008 - Napoleon (OH)
  • 2007 - N/A
  • 2006 - Tuscaloosa (AL)
  • 2005 - Niwot (CO)
  • 2004 - Gresham (OR)